Thais plot to trip Swedes in Fed Cup
Thailand's non-playing captain Priyakorn Salivorraroj has a secret wish - that her team-mates maximise their efforts and upset hosts Sweden when the two nations meet tomorrow in the Fed Cup World Group II play-offs in Lidkoping.
Priyakorn, a former national player – previously known as Napaporn Tongsalee – expects her team to face a Herculean challenge against the Swedish side that comprises two solid baseliners in Johanna Larsson and Sofia Arvidsson, ranked 88th and 146th in the world, respectively.
“I observed them and realised that both are very consistent from the baseline. They can rally longer than five shots and barely miss a shot,” said Piyakorn, who was part of the Fed Cup team when Thailand last appeared in the World Group II play-offs in 2006.
”Johanna can also hit slice and spin. So I have tried to make my players get used to those types of shots for the past two days. They seem to adjust to everything quite well,” added Napaporn, who took up the position as captain only after the zonal qualifier in Astana two months ago, when she successfully guided the team to victory.
“Compared to the tie in Astana, the team appears more relaxed in Lidkoping. They were in so much pressure in Kazakhstan as they really wanted to win the tie after coming so close a year ago. Although they are having more laughs here, they still are taking things seriously,” said the former top-200 player.
The Thai captain admitted that her singles players Luksika Kumkhum and Noppawan Lertcheewakarn have less experience and their nerves will be tested during crucial stages. However, she said they were very obedient and put in a lot of effort during the training.
“They are still young and can become impatient. But their groundstrokes are not second to those of the Swedes. I just hope that they can stick to their game plan and everything will work their way on that particular day.”
While Tamarine Tanasugarn is her main choice for the doubles, Priyakorn has not decided yet who would be sent to play alongside the veteran in Sunday’s doubles.
“It depends on the situation. But overall Tamarine and Luksika are a better team as Varatchaya [Wongteanchai] doesn’t have enough experience. She is a good doubles player and has some tricky shots but she needs to have some killing shots,” Priyakorn said.
The draw is due today at 7pm Bangkok time while the first two rubbers will be played tomorrow from 7pm. Truesports 7 will beam live all five rubbers, including three on Sunday from 5pm.
